Further expanding the scope of convenient, preventive health care services provided by its pharmacists, Walgreens (NYSE: WAG) (NASDAQ: WAG) is now offering daily testing for cholesterol, blood glucose and body composition at nearly 200 stores in California. Each test also includes a free blood pressure reading and personal consultation with a Walgreens pharmacist.

“Providing convenient, affordable access to health testing services is an important part of our commitment to disease prevention and chronic care management,” said Hayley Park, market pharmacy director, Walgreens. “As the most accessible health care providers, our pharmacists are spending more time with patients through consultations, immunizations, medication questions or concerns, health testing and other important services to help our customers get, stay and live well.”

Tests are available to those ages 18 and over at most stores during pharmacy hours daily with no appointment necessary. Walgreens offers health testing daily at more than 4,100 stores in 41 states. To find the nearest Walgreens offering these testing services, visit the store locator at www.walgreens.com/findahealthtest, or call 1-877-W-and-YOU (1-877-926-3968). Tests are subject to availability.

Blood pressure – free now through Feb. 28 in support of National Heart Health Month and included with every health test

Test results are not for diagnostic or treatment purposes and are not conclusive as to the absence or presence of any health condition. Patients are encouraged to share test results with their primary care physician.

Cholesterol Testing

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends that all adults have their cholesterol levels checked at least every five years. However, adults over age 45 or with other risk factors for heart disease or stroke should talk with their primary care physician about whether more frequent testing is necessary. Walgreens total cholesterol tests include a review of triglycerides, HDL and LDL. Fasting food and drinks (other than water) for 9 -12 hours may be required for full cholesterol panel tests.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of U.S. adults have high cholesterol, which can significantly increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Blood Glucose Testing

The American Diabetes Association recommends blood glucose testing every three years for people with normal levels or in good health with no risk factors. Those who are overweight and/or over age 45 should talk with their doctor about whether more frequent testing is recommended. For more information or recommendations regarding testing and regulating blood glucose visit, www.diabetes.org.

Body Composition Testing

The American Heart Association recommends body composition tests to detect various health problems including high blood pressure and diabetes which can increase risk for heart disease and stroke.

About Walgreens

As the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2013 sales of $72 billion, Walgreens ( www.walgreens.com) vision is to be the first choice in health and daily living for everyone in America, and beyond. Each day, Walgreens provides more than 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. The company operates 8,206 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers, provider practices, and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 750 locations throughout the country.

Copyright Business Wire 2010

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